A Tough Draw!

Dawlish v Teignmouth 28th November 2009

Always an exciting fixture the local derby match between Dawlish and Teignmouth 2nds did not disappoint for entertainment value. A polished and large Teignmouth Squad could have given the impression that the match would be one sided and the opening 10 minutes did not do anything to make spectators think otherwise. Teignmouth started strongly finding gaps in the Dawlish defence and putting Dawlish keeper Sarah Webster under pressure. Before Dawlish could regroup at the back Teignmouth were pushing forward again and it was not long before they took an early lead.

With the game looking like it could be a whitewash Dawlish seemed to wake up, regroup and challenge Teignmouth for the ball. Liz Reed and Lottie Young took back control of the game in midfield and Dawlish started building their own attacking plays. As the second half continued it was Dawlish who took control Jess Green using her speed on the right wing to fly past the Teignmouth defence. An aerial shot from Helen Nicholson forced a great save from the Teignmouth Keeper and after continued pressure Amy Reed levelled the score line with a confident strike on goal.

Dawlish were unable to start the second half with the same possession as they had at the end of the first but did not let Teignmouth take control of the game again. Gemma Wilkes was strong at the first line of defence for Dawlish making some powerful tackles and covering the width of the field. Teignmouth continued to pile on the pressure forcing Dawlish backs Mandy Lovell and Sue Trout to make a succession of vital tackles. Only when the pressure seemed to be off the Dawlish defence did Teignmouth manage to add to the score line; as Dawlish mounted an attack Teignmouth won a free hit and mounted a counter attack, with Dawlish short in midfield Teignmouth took advantage and went ahead.

In the final period of the game Dawlish once again took control and were rewarded with short corners but the Teignmouth defence held strong. Dawlish continued to pressure the Teignmouth goal mouth forcing saves from the keeper and eventually Jess Green managed to take advantage and level the scores. As one might expect from a local derby not the prettiest of matches, with plenty of fight and not without umpires decisions questioned.